Chapter 12: Chapter 12

ARIEL POV

Putting on a blue long sleeved top with black jeans and fitting black loafers, I sank into the bed. I checked the time, trying not to dwell on the thought that I was quite early. At least close to thirty minutes to when I was to leave for the shopping.

Looking in a mirror, I allowed myself to reflect on the past two days. Ryan and I never spoke again ever since the incident that occurred. I often find myself wondering if he was serious about his revenge plan. I wondered how my dad had been coping. I really wanted to see him.

I needed more answers to my questions. Why was my stepmom after my life?

I shook my head, trying to prevent the thought from lingering any further. I took my phone to read novels to pass time. I received a message a few minutes later from Mrs. Selina who requested I go outside.

I left my room to the outside of the mansion, as a car was waiting for me outside.

“Hi, Miss Ariel. Mrs. Selina requested I take you to the mall.” The woman, whom I believed was Mrs. Selina assistant, spoke.

She had a black suit on, with blue rimmed glasses perched on her face. She looked like she was in her early forties.

I allowed my eyes to roam around her figure for a while, before giving a response.

“Good day ma'am. Okay, let's go, shall we?” I smiled at her, as she reciprocated, before opening the door as I hopped inside.

The ride was quiet and in less than fifteen minutes, we arrived at the mall. We entered the mall, as Mrs. Selina was chatting heartily with a woman.

“Hey, my beautiful daughter-in-law.” I smiled as she pulled me into a hug. We withdrew, as I turned to face the other woman, to greet.

“Good day ma. I hope you are good.” I bowed curtly, smiling.

“Good day, the one who stole Selina's heart.” I chuckled at her use of words.

I darted my eyes to Mrs. Selina, who had a complicated look on her face.

“Your future daughter-in-law looks more beautiful in real life than in those pictures earlier.” The woman commented again, as I tried to maintain the smile on my face.

“Thank you ma.”

“It is a pity she is getting married to Ryan. I would have loved my daughter to be with Ryan instead.” She whispered to Mrs. Selina.

Her words reached my ears, making my heart skip for a bit. It reminded me of one rule. The elite for the elite. The poor for the poor. At that instant, I was beginning to feel I didn't feel among. Insecurities started setting in.

As if noticing the change in my demeanor, she nudged her friend slightly.

“Elsa, Ariel, is my perfect daughter-in-law. It is not always about a wealthy status. After all, good conduct builds up the marriage.”

She nodded, bringing herself to smile. I faked a smile, as I felt the whole atmosphere tense.

This is awkward,' I thought.

They said goodbyes to each other, before Mrs. Selina started moving me to the different shops in the mall.

"Don't mind Elsa's words. I chose you for Ryan and no one can stop that from happening." She reassured me, as we walked through the different sections for clothes.

"Thank you ma for trusting me enough to be your son's bride."

"Don't mention." She patted my back, smiling warmly at me.

She picked different clothes for me, as I tried them out.

It went on for hours, and it was fun, I must confess. The clothes seemed rather too expensive. In a bid to stop the shopping from continuing, I hesitated from trying more clothes.

“Mum, I think this is enough.” I pouted, her eyes meeting mine.

“Okay, okay. Try one more. Remember, you have a date later on with Ryan,” She reminded me.

I bit my lips, wondering which cloth to put on for the date, which is about 30 minutes from now.

“Here, try this blue gown.” I collected the gown, as I tried to put it in the changing room.

I came out a few minutes later, Mrs. Selina and her assistant eyes on me. Feeling shy at their sudden gaze, I looked down at the gown I was wearing.

“Wow. This looks good on you. Ryan will fall in love once he sets his eyes on.” I chuckled, as she placed a matching blue hat on my head.

The moment went in a blur. There were plenty of bags to carry. Every shopping bag was put at the luggage department in the car.

I breathe in, realizing it was all for now. At least, I still had the date with Ryan to look up to. Mrs. Selina stepped into the car, saying goodbye to me.

I watched as the car zoomed off, becoming aware of my environment. I was putting on a short-sleeved deep blue gown with blue flower imprints at the lower part of it. The gown hugged my body, making me admire it the most.

I turned abruptly, goosebumps suddenly creeping in. I felt someone's presence behind the mall glass. I turned fully, but I didn't see anyone. I shook my head, trying to wear off the thought that someone must have been following me.

I glanced around for a while, before walking towards the restaurant meant for the date between Ryan and me. The door was opened, prompting me to gaze at the lively and topnotch restaurant. It looked breathtaking. The glasses allowed for more light illumination, making everywhere more dazzling.

I stood for a while admiring the whole place. Everyone seemed to be lost in their conversation,placing little or no sight to my direction. I heaved a sigh of relief, taking my steps closer towards the receptionist.

“If it isn't my long-lost special friend.” A voice said out of the blue, startling me, making me turn instantly.

My mouth dropped open, and I was awed by the sight of the person I saw. His gray eyes captured me first, as I drank his full sight in.

He had become taller, his 6'4 (1.93 meters)height towering over my 5'7 (1.7 meters).

“Will you just keep staring at me?” I jolted out of my reverie.

“Damien.” I almost shouted, as he tugged forward embracing me, as I simply pushed him away, after a few seconds.

I felt heat tingle my cheek, as his eyebrows drew together. I cleared my throat, meeting his gaze, his eyes voicing out confusion.

I wouldn't like Ryan to misunderstand if he met us like this. I was a few feet towards the receptionist.

“I never knew you had a boyfriend.”

Speak of the devil. I gritted my teeth, my face flushed with embarrassment.

I turned to meet his angry gaze.

“Who is he to you?” I felt words stuck in my throat.

This was undoubtedly what I was avoiding.

“I… I … He.” I stuttered.

Damien stepped closer to me, shocking me with his words.

“She is my girlfriend.” He declared with a definite tone.

What the hell!

I felt my heart leap faster.